It looks like Steve Sarkisian’s stressful situation just soared in temperature as it escalated from the frying pan to the fire. First, the QB1 drama between Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers had him sweating bullets, and now, three key players making significant moves have him scrambling. It feels like the Texas version of Jenga, with the tower wobbling intensely because of the loss of such talent. With mounting pressure and no apparent solution in sight, Sark has to tap into his inner Rocky Balboa and fight his way out of this chaotic situation.

Well, things didn’t end up well for Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns after losing against the Bucks in the Cotton Bowl. Even after giving their best on defense by covering Bucks star WR Jeremiah Smith, their offense failed miserably. We know Quinn Ewers was bad, but their offensive line was also hollow, lacking a WR like Smith. Even Texas insider James Hayden thinks the same about the team and points out the weak link of the team, saying,

“The thing, the things to talk about, though, in the future with 2025 and beyond, is sort of what I was hammering on earlier, with Texas, you know, being similar to Ohio State. But what really separated them this year was offensive firepower. There was a Jeremiah Smith in Texas. That’s, you know, that’s kind of the reality. And I think a lot of us thought that going into the season, it would be wide receiver by committee.”

That’s a straight fact. Do you remember Smith’s incredible 56-yard grab to keep the drive alive against Notre Dame in the final two minutes? here’s no such player left like that in the Texas Longhorns after WRs Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, and Silas Bolden declared their move to the NFL. That’s a pretty big setback for Steve Sarkisian’s team. Now talking about Isaiah Bond, James said, “Isaiah Bond was pretty good at Alabama, but he didn’t even replicate that number this year in terms of yards and touchdowns, mostly because of injuries. But we didn’t have a solidified number one.”

Now, coming from Bama, Bond has 33 receptions and 532 yards with 5 touchdowns in his first season with Texas, and that’s not an impressive number. It’s evident that Isaiah Bond’s ankle injury played a big role in this, making things tough for him.

Even the other two guys could not do much to keep the game alive for the Longhorns against the Buckeyes. Talking about Matthew Golden sure, he flashed with a highlight-reel, one-handed grab on a third down during the opening drive—credit where it’s due—but that was about it for the day. His only other contribution? A 27-yard snag late in the fourth when Texas was knocking on Ohio State’s door at the 1-yard line.

Moreover, even Silas Bolden just scored one reception for 24 yards in the Cotton Bowl. This pretty much explains why insider James Hayden thinks that Steve Sarkisian needs to fix the leaks in his wide receivers’ depth for next season. But it looks like it’s not the only misery knocking at his door.

Steve Sarkisian’s increasing misery

Well, looks like Steve Sarkisian’s offense inconsistencies can’t catch a break. Just when it seemed like his quarterback dilemma was behind him, with Quinn Ewers declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, a new roadblock hit the Texas Longhorns. Now, it’s not just Ewers’ departure causing a headache, but the potential loss of Arch Manning, who has already started turning heads.

See, let’s just get this straight: even with the limited playing time on the field while filling in for Quinn Ewers, every snap he’s taken has been enough to show the world he’s a rare talent waiting to explode. And after two years of waiting, it’s finally Arch’s time to take up the stage as a single caller of Texas. But here’s where things get spicy. NFL Rookie Watch insiders have reported that “Arch Manning’s time as the QB1 at Texas could reportedly be ‘cut short’ as multiple NFL scouts reportedly believe Manning has Top-5 pick potential in the 2026 NFL Draft.”

Moreover, multiple scouts believe he’s got Top-5 pick potential for the 2026 NFL Draft. These scouts have been eyeing him ever since his high school days, and if Manning starts strong this season, his draft stock could soar, pushing him to declare for the 2026 draft instead of sticking around. Looks like it’s not just the wide receivers’ depth chart that’s creating pressure on Steve Sarkisian.

See, talking about his eligibility Arch can declare for the drafts in 2026 since he graduated from high school in 2022, meeting the NFL’s three-year-out-of-high-school rule. However, for now, he should improve his track record. Nevertheless, if that’s the case, Steve Sarkisian needs to start headhunting for a strong quarterback because this could be a matter of concern for the team.